British politician and Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley since 2015
Britain is expanding a six-month, 25-hour-a-week paid jobs scheme for 18- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit, rolling it out nationally from November and extending eligibility from 18 to 12 months from April. The plan aims to help over 90,000 youths by 2029, with new calls for a legal entitlement to jobs or training.
Labour has set October 28 for its autumn budget, pledging fiscal discipline. Ministers say the plan will fund devolution, defence and growth while maintaining the party’s rules, even as borrowing costs rise and the Iran conflict strains public finances.
Millions of phones warn of very high wildfire risk across England and Wales. The alert urges people to avoid actions that can spark fires, with the government deploying military support and banning disposable barbecues as firefighters battle dozens of blazes.
A government-wide crackdown on illegal waste dumping is expanding, with new powers to seize assets, higher fines, and regional enforcement to tackle organised waste crime that has blighted communities across England. The effort follows a BBC investigation identifying several supersites and a rising tide of waste crimes.
New prime minister has framed his premiership as a circuit breaker, pushing devolution and local control as keys to growth. Mayors will gain tax receipts and civil service support to drive local projects, with 18 authorities piloting secondments and a data-sharing program.
Global government bond yields have risen to multi‑decade highs after renewed US–Iran fighting pushed Brent oil toward $90–$97 a barrel and raised inflation expectations. Markets are pricing tighter central‑bank policy; UK gilt yields and US Treasuries have climbed sharply, forcing higher mortgage and corporate borrowing costs and shrinking fiscal headroom for many governments.
MPs are back in the House of Commons facing the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Supporters argue it offers dying adults a choice with safeguards, while opponents warn of risks to vulnerable people. The government remains neutral. A pivotal vote is expected this Friday, with the outcome likely to hinge on turnout and the Lords’ future role.
Reform UK has received two towering donations totaling £72m from cryptocurrency billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, with backdated caps on overseas donations and residency rules under review. Jenrick says donations are in line with current law, while Prime Minister Suspending oversight debates loom as the government pushes to tighten fundraising rules.
Two crypto billionaires have donated 72m to Reform UK, triggering a debate over caps on overseas and domestic political contributions as Parliament considers the Representation of the People Bill. The government is pushing to tighten rules while reform argues donations are legal. The story is developing as Lords debate the bill.
The UK government has proclaimed it is ready to work with international partners to prioritise public safety and national security amid rising AI safety concerns. Leaders warn of potential risks, urging robust regulation while highlighting benefits in health, services and industry. The debate mirrors intensifying calls from tech chiefs and lawmakers for coordinated global action.
The monarch has convened a summit in Scotland with leaders from Nvidia, OpenAI, Anthropic and Google DeepMind to discuss guiding AI development towards safety and human benefit. He has urged a shared set of principles and international cooperation, stating that AI must remain in service of humanity while addressing existential risks.
Louise Haigh has announced stronger rights for workers seeking flexible working, requiring employers to sit down with employees to properly consider requests and explain refusals. Support from unions highlights a push to widen access to remote and hybrid work while acknowledging limits for certain roles.
McLaren has announced a £500 million investment across UK sites, expanding its Woking HQ and a South Yorkshire carbon‑fiber facility, creating about 1,000 jobs by 2032 and potentially 3,000 more in the supply chain as part of broader growth in British manufacturing.
Across England, new funds are being unveiled to revitalize high streets by supporting community-owned and cooperative businesses. The package includes a derelict buildings fund, a capital for at-risk venues, and support for community ownership to boost local economies. Leaders say the move aims to restore pride and bring life back to town centres.
The government has pledged a £6bn package to upgrade Faslane naval facilities and fund UK-built floating docks and a marine research vessel, as part of a broader push to reindustrialise Britain. Rolls-Royce will invest £300m in British factories.
The chancellor has ruled out increasing capital gains tax before the budget, citing risks of wealthier individuals moving assets abroad or delaying sales. The plan to fund cost‑of‑living support now centers on banks’ profits, with Labour figures pressing for a wealth tax that works and critics calling for fairness and growth. The balance between growth and fairness remains a political flashpoint ahead of Budget 2026.
The Chancellor has announced a package designed to tackle rising energy costs and the cost of living. Standing charges on gas bills are being removed, a direct energy payment is being rolled out, VAT on electricity is extended, and the minimum wage is set to rise. The announcements are framed as relief for working people amid global economic pressures.
Five teenagers aged 16 and 17 have been stabbed at a Halloween party in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire. Police say an unknown group gained entry to the party and attacked attendees around 10:30pm on Saturday. All victims were taken to hospital with serious injuries; one remains life-threatening. Investigations are under way, with officers seeking witnesses and doorbell footage.
The government has opened a consultation on the electric vehicle mandate, with early signals that targets could be weakened from 80% of new car sales to as low as 50% by 2030. The move risks undermining long-term climate goals and the UK’s industrial strategy as ministers weigh economic and industry pressures against ambitious decarbonisation.